A mysterious company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires has been quietly buying up thousands of acres of farmland in Solano County, California, sparking curiosity and concerns about their intentions. The company, Flannery Associates, has spent over $800 million to acquire more than 50,000 acres of land since 2018. Some of the investors involved in this venture include well-known names like Marc Andreessen and Laurene Powell Jobs.
While little is known about Flannery Associates' specific plans, they previously pitched the idea of building a walkable city powered by clean energy in Solano County. The median housing price in the county is currently $585,000, and the company hopes to create an urban center that can cater to the needs of the tech industry and alleviate some of the challenges faced by the Bay Area.
These land acquisitions have caught the attention of government officials and local leaders, sparking inquiries into the potential involvement of foreign interests. Flannery has surrounded Travis Air Force Base with its purchases, raising national security concerns.
Despite speculation that Chinese investors may be involved, the company's legal representation claims that Flannery is controlled by US citizens, with 97% of its capital coming from US-based investors. The true identity and motives of Flannery Associates remain a mystery, but their ambitious land purchases have put them in the spotlight.